Laura Poko

Age: 32Job: Marketing & CommunicationsLocation: Washington, DC (Pittsburgh is always home!)Favorite way to practice self love? Listen to my body, heart, soul, and emotions. I find that staying in tune with my energy on all levels really helps me honor my wants and needs and truly show myself love and respect.Favorite thing to watch? I’m a huge How I Met Your Mother fan. I spent my late 20s/early 30s growing up with the HIMYM crew and I really connect with all of the characters in some way. The quest for romance and understanding love is very real in my life.Juice or smoothies? I prefer mimosas with some really good bubblyYoga or running? YogaWhat do you stand for? I stand for love, compassion and empathy – caring and feeling are removed from so much in our society these days. I’m here to bring it all back.

Why did you seek out a program(s) with The Glow Effect?
I was at a point in my life where I felt very stuck. I had a good job, I was single and making it on my own, but things just weren’t lining up. I felt bogged down and not sure that I liked the direction in which my career was moving. I wasn’t feeling passion and felt like my energy was very stagnant. I tried counseling, but it didn’t feel right. That’s when my sister (a counselor by trade) pointed out that maybe I needed coaching – not counseling. A friend let me in on Glow – a program that she was curious about as well.

Probable future if you didn’t get help?
If I hadn’t started Glow, I imagine that I would have spent quite some time feeling lost and stuck. Sure, I wanted to seek out coaching, but I truly feel like nothing would have impacted my life in the same way as Glow.

Impact the program made on your life?
The impact has been incredible. My confidence has skyrocketed and I feel empowered to create the life I want to live. The most incredible of all is that my comfort zone has expanded immensely. I can feel my energy and soul open to so much more than before Glow. I am free to be vulnerable and brave to face the things I fear. It’s a wonderful feeling.

What were your doubts/objections prior to investment of time and money How did you overcome doubts?
My largest concern was money. I’m a single woman living alone in one of the most expensive cities in the US – I was really worried about affording the program. Money has always been an issue in my life, as well. I was expecting a bonus at work and told Saren that if I got the bonus, I would definitely be in the program. But I still felt I needed that bonus to take the leap. Now looking back, I can’t believe money might have held me back.

What’s your dream and how are you living it right now?
My dream is to travel, connect with people, and work with animals. One of the most rewarding experiences of my life happened immediately after the Glow program. I booked a solo trip to Europe – something I couldn’t have even fathomed as a possibility for me prior to Glow. It was an unbelievable experience. I met new people, I explored on my own, and I felt like my whole world expanded. I’m still working towards working with animals and am currently planning a volunteer trip in which I’ll help at an animal sanctuary.

Favorite quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson

Advice to your 15-year-old self?
Everything you are doing right now will help lead you to become a caring, compassionate, kind individual. It might take some time and you might have to deal with lots of let downs, unhealthy friendships, bad relationships, and more, but it will all be worth it.